Gas Spring Safety

Charging, Overhaul and Maintenance of Nitro-Springs

  • Before attempting any work on a gas spring or gas spring system the person must have attended and passed the Nitro-Spring training course. Upon completion of the course a certificate of competence is issued.
  • Attempting to perform work on gas springs without completing the course may infringe safety and have a negative impact on the life of the product.
  • Overhaul and maintenance instructions are found in the Nitro-Spring service manual. This manual is available to people who have completed the Nitro-Springs training course.
  • USE ONLY NITROGEN WHEN CHARGING - THE USE OF OXYGEN WILL CAUSE AN EXPLOSION.

To Degass: Degassing Nitrogen Gas Springs Withdraw the safety plug -  Discharge the gas spring with the vent key, pressing slightly on the valve



Gas Spring Safety Plug

  • Only certified trained personnel should perform work on gas springs
  • Wear safety goggles - Invert the cylinder
  • When charging, ensure piston rod is fully extended - Charging pressure is not exceeded



Gas Spring Identification:
All NITRO-SPRINGS are permanently marked on the cylinder.

Gas Spring Identification
Tool Safety Warning Plates


MET:8218 - Mini Warning Plate Gas Spring Warning Plate

MET:8219 - Large Warning Plate
Nitro Spring Warning Plate
 

 

Nitro Spring Safety

1) USE ONLY NITROGEN

2) MAX WORKING TEMPERATURE

3) PROTECT FROM DAMAGE

 
Any damage to the Nitro-Spring could affect safety and life of the product.
The spring should be de-gassed and disposed of.
The nominal stroke listed in the catalogue may be utilised fully, however, it is strongly recommended that 5mm or 10% of the nominal stroke length is not used. This is to prevent ‘overstroke’ as a result of a change in the tool or a mishap.
Gas Spring Stroke Safety
 

Assembly Guide:

 

Gas Spring Assembly Guide

Ensure the gas spring sits on a flat surface. Uneven surfaces can cause side loading or structural damage.
 
Nitro Spring Assembly Guide
Where possible, positively retain springs on a flat surface. Ensure bolts are tight and the spring cannot move.
Do not use the threaded hole in piston, this is for maintenance only.
Screws must have a clamping length of 2 to 4 x thread diameter and thread depth of 1 x thread diameter for steel and 1.5 x for cast iron. Always use a torque wrench to tighten.
 
Clamping Nitrogen Gas Springs
  Thread    Torque
    M6          10nm
    M8          24nm
    M10        45nm
    M12        80nm
    M16   160-180nm
Nitro-Springs have a range of fixing elements. Instructions must be adhered to. Incorrect fixing methods may reduce product life and can affect safety.
 
Nitro-Springs Fixing Elements
Nitro-Springs must always work completely perpendicular to the contact surface.
Side forces will dramatically reduce the life of the product.
 
Gas Spring Safety Training
Protect gas springs from liquid or solid contamination.
Pockets should be cleaned regularly and equipped with drainage.
 
Gas Spring Safety Against Contamination
Do not use gas springs in such a way that the piston rod is released freely from its compressed position. This could cause internal damage.
 

 

Sales and technical help: 01604 499332
Alternatively, click here to contact via email or via our fax on 01604 493390.

Trade Counter - You can collect or buy direct from our 30,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Northampton. Please click here for directions.
New applications, need help or advice on which gas strut to use and what mounting positions to use, call our technical hotline 01604 499332 for advice.
SUPPORT CENTRE

  • KNOWLEDGE BASE

    Here you will find all the information you need on our products or services.


  • FAQs

    Frequently asked questions answered here.


  • DOWNLOAD CENTRE

    Download any and all published documents, not to be confused with the CAD Library.


  • WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTORS

    All global distributors of products available from Metrol.